Period Correct Camper

[PbFut]

Admins — if this is too far off topic, please move it to the general section.
This was very much an impulse buy, and I’ll admit I’m going through a bit of buyer’s remorse, though I think that will pass. It’s an early Open Road, fully self‑contained camper. I found the original manual (no date), but the toilet warranty card was still inside and shows an expiration of May 1969. Supposedly it weighs around 1,400 lbs, which puts it right on the edge for my setup.
These were everywhere when I was growing up in Southern California in the 60s and 70s. My parents had a slightly newer, shorter Dreamer. It was my dad’s daily driver for years, and later my mom’s when gas prices started climbing.
I paid $2,000 for this one — probably four times what it’s worth — but it felt like the right thing to do, and like I said, it was an impulse. The good news: no leaks anywhere, and all the equipment is said to be functional. It’s been sitting here for about three weeks while I learn about it and try to form a plan.
If anyone knows of a good message board for vintage campers, I’d appreciate it. The Facebook groups I’ve found haven’t been very helpful, and these early units seem to be somewhat rare now that modern campers are so much better.
My truck should handle it fine — 1972 GMC 3/4‑ton — and if I can find a set of Helwigs again, that will help a lot. I passed on a set a while back when I didn’t think I’d need them.
Right now I’m daydreaming more than deciding. It’s too nice and too rare to gut. I’ve considered converting it mostly to electric with solar. I’m not interested in keeping a propane refrigerator, and a 1968 on‑demand propane water heater is… let’s just say “exciting.”
Structurally, the only concern is a slightly soft spot in the floor. We’re 70 now, so my wife has made it clear she’s not sleeping in the cab‑over. The dinette converts to a bed, which was common for the era. The original cushions and cab‑over mattress are still there.
Since this wasn’t a planned purchase, I’m still unclear on the direction. I’m leaning toward painting it to match the truck and keeping the overall character intact.

[dagnabbitt]

Sweet camper, I love it. I have been looking for something like that myself, I have two 3/4 tons. Definitely will want a swaybar, etc.

[Steeveedee]

Cool camper! Yes, a rear sway bar for sure, with that much hanging off the bed. I put Firestone Transforce tires on my truck and it gets a bit of oversteer. The Michelins didn't do that, but you can't get 16.5" diameter Michelins anymore.

[HO455]

Nice camper! For what it's worth I don't believe you paid too much for it. At least around my part of the world.

[LockDoc]

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Looks good! This is one I used to own.....

This is a Huntsman Camper.

Looks like yours is in good shape.
.

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by HO455

Nice camper! For what it's worth I don't believe you paid too much for it. At least around my part of the world.

Looks like a very fair price to me, too.

[Steeveedee]

I paid over $3k for mine, and it's just a shell. And the wood work inside isn't very good, either. This thing is worth it.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

Two of my friends in SoCal had those, and we'd play in them where they sat next to the house. That is well preserved, those materials seemed to chip off my folks motorhome every time we went anywhere

Maybe a paint scheme similar to what LocDoc has? Geometric slashes of color on a mostly white camper is how I remember the things

[PbFut]

Doc
That photo actually helps a lot. It also shows the drip rail as unpainted which I thought was correct. These have been painted and don't look right to me. I think it would be a good time to remove, strip, and reseal the rails. I'd like to get that black paint off the windows, but that could be a challenge. I need to roll on some fresh roof seal as well. I live about 20 miles from what was once the Mobile home capital of the world it seemed, Hemet Calif. Lots of repair shops in the area and should be some good sources of materials. Found some termites. Probably need to bag it. Gonna be a money pit I fear but it will keep me out of the bars.

[FirstOwner69]

I bought my new 69 truck and camper the same day in late 1969 and still have both. The camper has not been used since the 90s and is stored in a pole barn. Here are some pictures.

[PbFut]

Fancy layout for that era. I like that. I am sure having it covered helped a lot. I think mine must have been in a shop. It's too well preserved not to have been.
The rear bumper on my truck has some areas welded to the frame. Gonna be some effort to cut and correct.

[67RS/SSx2]

I think you got a good deal. Very nice looking camper considering the age. The builders did not intend for them to be around this long.

Please Lord, don't let a camper like that show up around here for sale. I am afraid I would be in your shoes...and possibly divorced.